On Wed., Nov. 13, Manual hosted a signing ceremony day for nine senior athletes who have committed to play their respective sport at the collegiate level. Lacrosse, volleyball, cross country and baseball were all represented.
The ceremony began at 1:35 p.m. with Athletic Director David Zuberer giving a few remarks and presenting Principal Dr. Micheal Newman to the players’ family, friends, coaches and fellow teammates.
Dr. Newman then addressed the students in a sweet short speech, thanking them for representing Manual not just academically, but athletically as well.
“You are also representing who we are,” Dr. Newman said.
He then addressed the parents, thanking them for the role they had in motivating the students to continue playing their sports in Manual and beyond.
“Thank you to all our parents… I know how much time and commitment that took,” Dr. Newman said.
Zuberer took over shortly after, officially starting the signing ceremony.
Nicholas Ballard (12, HSU) was first to sign. He will be playing baseball at the University of Louisville.
“I get to keep playing the game I love, it’s definitely a win situation,” Ballard said.
Zuberer then moved on to the next athlete, Maggie May (12, VA). She will run cross country and track and field at Western Kentucky University.
“I’m super excited. I think it’s a great opportunity and I’m excited to see where my running
goes,” May said.
Following May, three lacrosse players were introduced and presented.
Harleigh Beumer (12, HSU) was the first lacrosse player to sign. She will continue to play lacrosse at Spalding University.
“I want to first give a huge thanks to my parents, sister, and all my family that continuously
support me through doing what I love,” Beumer said during her speech.
The second lacrosse player to sign was Audrey Donladson (12, J+C). She will continue to play lacrosse at the University of the Cumberlands.
“I am very excited for the next few months and what’s to come,” Donaldson said.
The last of the lacrosse players to sign was Shaina Silliman (12, HSU). She will play at Transylvania University.
“Manual girls’ lacrosse–thank you, you’ve given me opportunities for this position” Silliman said.
Zuberer then moved on to the four volleyball players committed to play at their respective universities.
The first player presented was Brooke Ciresi (12, HSU). She is committed to Kentucky Wesleyan University.
“It’s definitely nerve racking, I love Manual volleyball and I definitely don’t want to leave it, but I’m excited for the next level,” Ciresi said.
The next volleyball player to sign was Kennedy Dawson (12, HSU). She will be attending Youngstown State University.
“I’m super excited to play the next four years at Youngstown State University and live out my dream of playing Division 1 volleyball,” Dawson said.
The third volleyball athlete presented was Abby Gentner (12, MST) who will continue playing at University of Texas at Dallas.
“I want to thank my KIVA and my Manual coaches and teammates who have helped me grow as a player and as a person” Gentner said.
The final volleyball athlete to sign was Riley Osbourne (12, HSU). She is committed to Thomas More University.
“A special thank you to my mom and dad, they gave me the greatest version of myself,” Osbourne said.
After all athletes had signed, their friends and family took the time to take pictures and celebrate their big accomplishment.
